Favourite bits.
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The story of the estate. São Lourenço do Barrocal has been in the same family for more than 200 years, and it was José António Uva (who is eight generation of the same family) who had a vision to turn the family property into a farm retreat he could share with others. The passion and dedication behind José António’s dream, and what he has created, is incredibly inspiring.
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The interiors. Perfectly simple and calming. The interior design was led by José António’s wife Ana’s design studio, AnahoryAlmeida (also responsible for the interiors of many of Lisbon’s finest restaurants) and it is a dream.
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Hortelão, their outdoor restaurant. The most beautiful place to dine between Spring through Autumn, this slow-food, farm to fork restaurant is located next to the pool, right by the organic kitchen garden, and is the perfect place to enjoy a dinner under the stars.
Mt. Mulligan Lodge
MT. MULLIGAN LODGE
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA • LUXURY OUTBACK RESORT • SLEEPS 20 | 8 BEDROOM | 8 BATH
Mt. Mulligan Lodge, on the Ngarrabullgan land of the Kuku Djungan people in remote northern Queensland, is a 28,000 hectare property offering just 20 indulged guests with an exceptional all-inclusive lodge experience.
Located on an entirely private 28,000 hectare outback property 160km north-west of Cairns, Mt Mulligan Lodge accommodates just 20 indulged guests at any one time, ensuring a rugged and intimate escape. Under the shadow of the majestic Mount Mulligan, a sandstone tabletop mountain boasting a spectacular 18 kilometre escarpment towering over the surrounding Australian eucalyptus woodlands, it is a 3-hour 4WD adventure from Cairns or a quick 35-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Daintree Rainforest.
The style here is quintessentially Australian and pays homage to the rugged outback. Featuring a contemporary yet rustic main pavilion, which houses an open lounge, bar and restaurant that looks over a sleek infinity pool and sparkling weir. Corrugated iron water tanks have been re-purposed for use as outdoor soaking baths, and strategically positioned on the edge of the deck to capture uninterrupted views whilst bathing privately. Weathered and notched Pyrmont iron bark timber, salvaged from the demolition of the Pyrmont Bay Wharf in Sydney, have been re-purposed with rusted bolts and scars to add an additional layer of history and character to the pavilion building.
There are four different accommodation types on offer, I stayed in one of the Outback Suites and recommend this if travelling with a few people as it connects two bedrooms with a shared living space.
Mt Mulligan Lodge is a child-friendly property, welcoming children of all ages.
Why I love it
I love Mt. Mulligan Lodge for its exceptionally remote location out on Ngarrabullgan land, and its beautiful views over the majestic Mount Mulligan. The staff are super friendly and the food is impressive (especially given the lodge's absolute remoteness). We loved having dinner under the stars by the weir one evening. I also loved the ATV adventure and chef-prepared gourmet picnic, as well as the sunset drinks looking over the escarpment up at the sunset bar. There are many other activities on offer at the Lodge including barramundi fishing, a tour of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine, stargazing, cattle mustering, and more. Ongoing conservation is at the heart of Mt Mulligan Lodge’s philosophy. In an attempt to protect its local environment, the lodge relies on solar power and 100 per cent recycled water, sources ingredients from local producers and sustainable farms, and adopts sustainable building design methods.
About the owners
Mt Mulligan Lodge is proud to be part of the Northern Escape Collection, a curated portfolio of boutique sustainable lodges and experiences that celebrate Queensland’s diverse natural beauty in one bespoke journey.
The Northern Escape Collection was crafted by Australian family business the Morris Group. The Morris family is passionate about contributing to sustainable economies in Australia and allowing travellers to experience the unique natural beauty of Northern Australia in its purest form.
With this vision in mind, Chris Morris curated the Northern Escape Collection and brought his daughter Hayley on-board to help design unique experiences that tread lightly on the planet and create meaningful memories.
Chris, together with Hayley and the family, run the Morris Group which has diverse interests spanning the tourism, hospitality, agriculture, food, technology and aviation industries in Australia and the UK and is parent to charitable fund, Morris Family Foundation.
What to do nearby
ATV Tour
Sunset Bar
Dining under the Stars
What to bring